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WHEN
HE WAS WICKED
Julia Quinn
Avon
ISBN: 0-06-053123-1
July 2004
Historical
WOW! Can I say
that again? WOW! For some reason, I have not read many of
Ms. Quinn's books and I am asking myself at this point - why?
When He Was
Wicked was an absolutely incredible story. Those of you who have
read the
other Bridgerton books, know the family and back stories. Coming
into this
novel, number 6 in the series, without reading the other
stories, I was
neither lost nor overwhelmed by the characters. It stands
perfectly well on
its own.
Michael Stirling and Francesca Bridgerton Kilmartin are friends
and confidants.
Michael is a notorious rake. He is the cousin to John, Earl of
Kilmartin,
though the two are more like brothers than cousins. John has
everything,
even the beautiful and witty Francesca, but Michael is honestly
happy for
his cousin, not envious. John and Francesca are close and love
each other
dearly. Michael also loves Francesca but would never let her or
John know.
He values both of their friendships, and though feels like a
third wheel at
times, wouldn't change anything. Tragedy takes John young,
leaving both
Francesca and Michael adrift. Michael gets everything his cousin
had and
can feel nothing but guilt over it. Wanting his cousin's wife,
makes
matters worse. Francesca, on the other hand, has no idea about
Michael's
feelings and can't understand why he pulls away after John's
death. At a
time that she needs him the most, he abandons her.
When He Was Wicked has two charming characters and a story that
is well
written and well thought out. Friends, then lovers. Joy and
guilt. Ms.
Quinn takes the reader on a believable emotional ride that
doesn't end until
the last page. Each character is strong in their own way. It is
refreshing
to see a first spouse that the wife or husband actually loved.
There was
nothing wrong with the first marriage, just a realistic sense of
loss at
John's death. He wasn't a selfish lover or a wife beater or had
3 mistresses
and 6 illegitimate children on the side.
Though we learn that Michael has loved Francesca since the first
time he met
her, Francesca must grow into her love for Michael. He is a
friend, not
lover/husband material. She honestly (not contrived) doesn't
think of
Michael in that light and emotionally it tears Michael apart.
Their mutually
growing love is great to see unfold. They already love each
other as
friends, but when the sexual attraction is added into the mix,
watch out!
The love scenes might not come until the last part of the story,
but they
are strong, poignant and wonderfully written.
Kudos Ms. Quinn! A superb story. |
Reviewed by Sarah
Silversmith
Rating:
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